Stage 13 Overview

Bourg d'Oisans to Valence

Friday, July 20, 2018

Stage Summary

Climbers and GC contenders will enjoy a short respite on their 169.5km journey from Bourg d’Oisans to Valence, when flatter terrain will allow the sprinters to take control of the race once again. In fact, this may be their last chance to pick up significant points in the second half of the Tour, so expect the green jersey competition to be intense, especially for the intermediate sprint at 71 km.

Stage Analysis From Best Bike Split

After three days of climbing, riders will welcome a day devoid of major hills. There are some potential for breaks to stick if the crosswinds pick up, so watch for sprinters trying to get into early groups to pick up intermediate points and potentially vie for a long-range stage win. If everyone decides to take it easy it will come down to a final mass sprint.

Stage 13 offered a respite after a tough few days in the Alps, with a gentler course profile and more opportunities for the remaining sprinters. The final man of the break (Michael Schar of BMC) was caught with 6km to go. At under 1km to go, Philippe Gilbert launched a courageous (if ill-fated) attack, but was ultimately caught and passed by the sprinters. Peter Sagan took another win with an impressive bike throw, with Alexander Kristoff and Arnaud Demare right there.

None of the jerseys changed hands today, with Thomas holding on to yellow, Sagan in green, and Alaphillipe keeping the polkadots. Schar earned the combativity prize for his breakaway efforts. Vincenzo Nibali abandoned before the start of the race, due to a vertebra injury sustained after his crash yesterday with a spectator.

Click on the predictive race plan below to see how key factors might affect the results from this stage.